How Gender Equality Benefits Men And Boys, Too!

With Plan's Because I Am A Girl initiative, we are aiming to make the world a fairer place for girls and women. But did you know that gender equality benefits boys and men too? That is one of the things we discuss in Plans recent report called "So what about boys?". Girls rights are human rights and when men and boys are engaged in conversations about justice and fairness they will begin to see that their mothers, sisters and wives are often not treated the same way they are. They will use their influence in the community to challenge gender roles and make sure girls and boys have the same chances to thrive. When boys and girls have the same access to their rights, entire communities are able to pull themselves out of poverty. Plans gender equality projects begin with families, because we know that children follow the example set at home. We also know that when fathers are involved in caring for their children, boys grow up more supportive and girls grow up with more opportunities. In countries across the world, our projects promote participation by fathers, like this proud dad in Cambodia. And future fathers like this dad to be in Bolivia. In early childhood projects children learn about gender equality at a young age, like the children at this pre-school in Togo. Plan also runs youth workshops in places like Zambia and Brazil. In these programs, young men are encouraged to express themselves without feeling the pressure to give into gender roles and to be themselves rather than who they think they should be. When boys learn healthy ways to talk about their emotions, couples report stronger relationships as they break away from traditional roles and fathers who engage with their children say they feel a lot of personal satisfaction from parenting in this way. Engaging boys and young men in working for girls rights has huge potential benefits for everyone. Greater gender equality will help boys be equipped with the skills to build positive relationships, of mutual trust and respect. Together with their sisters, boys can help ensure that girls go to school, that they're safe from violence and are not married young and against their will. Help Plan encourage more men and boys to be part of the solution. Together we can achieve gender equality. Girls are the answer and so are you. Visit because I'm a girl .ca